EDFL: Mark Jamar, Daylan Kempster impressing for Keilor Park

Keilor Park might have the best big man combination in its competition with ex-AFL and VFL talents shining. Coach Colby Blyth speaks on their form and creating an “identity”.

Mark Jamar is a new recruit for Keilor Park.

Keilor Park might just have the best big man competition in the EDFL’s Division 2 competition.

Between ex-AFL ruckman Mark Jamar and the impressive Daylan Kempster, Devils coach Colby Blyth has access to a pairing which is consistently going to give opposition headaches.

The duo kicked three goals apiece in the 45-point win over the Northern Saints on Saturday to prove why they’re such a valuable commodity.

“Opposition sides are struggling to contain them when both guys are available,” Blyth said.

“The experience both have (at either AFL or VFL level) is something we’re very blessed to have. Jamar provides something more of a different option when he’s up forward, he’s more your stay at home type.

“Whereas Daylan really likes to get up the ground, it gives us another dimension to our game. They’ve only played a couple of games together so I’m excited to see how it keeps developing throughout the course of the year.”

Daylan Kempster has made a strong start to the season.

After being relegated from Division 1 last season and appointing Blyth as the new senior coach, it was hard to get a read on where the Devils would sit this season.

They lost in Round 1 to Rupertswood, who also made the drop, but have now secured back-to-back wins.

“We’re pretty proud. Internally we’ve been extremely confident in what we’ve been working on,” he said.

“Building and developing chemistry had been one something we worked on over pre-season. There’s a strong bond and connection between the group.

“We’ve been wanting to create an identity of the football club. What happened last year wasn’t us.

“A real strong sense of belief is growing and it’s helping to create a buzz around the place.”

Blyth said the Devils’ women’s team was adding “another dynamic” to the footy club with their own impressive start to the season.

Playing in Division 1, they hold a 2-1 record after securing a 79-point win over Tullamarine on Anzac Day.

“They bring another level of enthusiasm which is so important for the continued development of the club,” Blyth said.

“Marcus (Barclay, the senior women’s coach) does such a great job. We interact regularly and it’s fantastic to see them enjoying such a strong start.”

Keilor Park next welcomes Burnside Heights.

BEARS CONTINUE TO PROVE THEIR QUALITY

Burnside Heights once again proved why you can’t discount them this season with a two-point win over Coburg Districts. It was the second game in a row where Cole Harvey’s side have got the better of a more fancied opposition. Jacob Elia again showed his class as a forward with four majors. Tyson Iglesias, Riley McLaughlin, Nicholas Cugliari, Ferdinando Petrarca, Jordan Hughes and Marcus D’Angelo were named in the best.

ROYS ARE A SIDE ON THE IMPROVE

Glenroy proved why its one of the competition’s big improvers with a 26-point victory over premiership fancy Westmeadows on Anzac Day. Daniel Riley was best afield in the win as he carried on his strong form to start the season. Aaron Kite was a strong presence inside forward 50 with three goals.

ROOS STUN HADFIELD

Hadfield would have been kicking itself to not have walked away with the four points against Sunbury Kangaroos. After leading by 31 points in the second term, the Hawks weren’t able to make the most of their chances as the Roos launched a stunning comeback. They kicked 10 straight from that position to secure a huge win. Shawn Bowden was huge with three goals.

GAME CALLED OFF

As earlier reported by this masthead, the Rupertswood and East Sunbury game was called off as a result of a serious medical emergency. Our thoughts remain with the player, their family and both clubs.